Module 4 - Next Level Basics

In this module, we will cover:

1. Gameplay Dynamics & Key Policies

2. Review Downs & Distances

3. Takeaways & Turnovers

• Next Module: Module 5 - Referee Fundamentals

• Previous Module: Module 3 - Attire, Equipment & Preparation

• See All Referee Training Modules

If you have any questions, please email training@nextlevelsports.com.

0:00 What’s up, Next Level Officials? Coach Bradley here, and in Module 4 of our Referee Training, we’re going to cover the basics—The Next Level need-to-know details. We’ll start with General Game Dynamics.

0:07 For most of you refereeing Kindergarten through 6th/7th grade games, we play on one full-size football field.

0:25 We’ll divide the field into four quadrants: Field 1, Field 2, Field 3, and Field 4. All games will have a 40-yard playing area, with all drives starting on the 40-yard line and moving toward the appropriate end zone.

0:42 We never have games going toward the 50-yard line to avoid kids running into each other.

0:52 For timing, there will be two halves, each 25 minutes, running clock—no timeouts and no stoppage in the game.

1:04 For player participation, which we’ll discuss in a later module, each player will play one half of offense and one half of defense. This ensures fair and equitable playing time.

1:11 We’ll cover more details about that later. For 7th, 7th/8th, and 8th grade divisions, they play 6 on offense versus 7 on defense, using a half-field layout.

1:24 You’ll have Field 1 on top and Field 2 on the bottom. It’s a bigger field for bigger kids. We’ll talk more about that in a future training.

1:29 Moving on to some of our “Next Level Done Well” play policies. Our play policy is simple: All players must receive equal playing time, non-negotiable.

1:37 The touch policy is also key: Every player should touch the ball at least once per game. It’s your responsibility to monitor this, but it’s the student coaches’ job to facilitate it.

1:49 Let’s talk about downs and distances. The image on the right shows Field 1, zoomed in for a clearer view.

2:02 As mentioned, all drives start on the 40-yard line and go toward the end zone. The first down is always 20 yards to go.

2:11 The universal first down line is the 20-yard line. So you should announce, "First and 20," then proceed.

2:18 From there, the offense gets three tries (downs) to make a first down. If they cross the 20 and get to the 15-yard line, that’s a new first down.

2:27 If they don’t achieve a first down, it’s simply a turnover. The defense gets the ball at first and 20 on the 40-yard line.

2:35 There’s no punting or field goals—just touchdowns or turnovers.

2:45 Once the offense makes a first down, they get four more downs to score. Again, no field goals; it’s either a touchdown or a turnover.

2:57 If there’s a penalty on the 40-yard line, it’s a loss of down—no moving backward. This ensures games don’t get congested if penalties pile up.

3:07 So, if there’s a false start on the 40-yard line, just call it a loss of down. We never move the ball backward.

3:17 If the offense scores a touchdown, they can go for either one or two points. The only difference is: One point is from the 3-yard line, and two points is from the 8-yard line.

3:23 The offense can run or pass on extra point attempts. If the defense intercepts the ball during the extra point, the play is dead as soon as the whistle blows.

3:30 Now let’s talk about turnovers and takeaways. At Next Level, there are no fumbles.

3:38 If the ball hits the ground (carpet or grass), blow it dead. We don’t want players diving on top of each other for a loose ball. This is a safety rule. The ball is placed at the spot where it hit the ground.

3:46 We do allow interceptions, however.

3:54 Let’s say the defense intercepts the ball on Field 1. If they return it to the 40-yard line (their end zone), that’s a pick-six.

4:06 The defense would be awarded six points, and they go back on defense. The offense then takes over at the 40-yard line for a first down.

4:13 If the interceptor’s flag is pulled while they’re returning the ball, it’s just a turnover. The defense gets the ball at the 40-yard line.

4:22 A few more key rules: If the interceptor is tackled while running down the sideline—say, at the 35-yard line—and the offense pushes him out of bounds just before he scores, we’ll apply the clear path rule.

4:35 We award six points to the returning team. This is a safety-based rule, especially for younger quarterbacks frustrated by a pick.

4:41 If the defender is tackled after making an interception, say he intercepts at the 5-yard line, dodges traffic, and gets tackled at the 20-yard line, we penalize the offensive player who made the tackle.

4:55 The defensive team gets the ball at the 20-yard line to start their next drive.

5:08 That’s it for this training. We’ll see you next time!